Anthropology at University of Vermont

University of Vermont's anthropology program manages to outperform most peers nationally while keeping debt relatively manageable—graduates earn $31,717 in their first year, landing at the 75th percentile compared to anthropology programs nationwide. That's notably better than the typical anthropology graduate who starts at $27,806. The debt load of $19,500 is actually below the national median for this field ($23,000), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 that should be payable within a few years of graduation.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story: graduates see 24% salary growth by year four, reaching $39,318. While anthropology isn't a high-earning field by nature, this program positions students better than most alternatives. Within Vermont's small pool of anthropology programs, this sits at the 60th percentile—essentially middle of the pack locally but competitive nationally.

For families comfortable with the reality that anthropology isn't a lucrative career path, UVM offers a relatively strong version of this degree. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings makes this a reasonable choice if your child is committed to the field. Just understand that even the "better" anthropology programs lead to modest starting salaries, though the growth pattern here suggests graduates find their footing within a few years.